editor’s perspective

GP Lenses Are Here to Stay

BY JASON J. NICHOLS, OD, MPH, PHD, FAAO

While there have been many predictions about the contact lens market through the years, one of the most controversial has been that of the vitality and longevity of GP lenses. Some have predicted that this lens type would become virtually obsolete, while others contend that GP lens fitting remains strong among many practitioners. So, where are we today on this issue?

Of note, Contact Lens Spectrum’s market research on GP lenses has shown no indication of a decline in utilization over the past five years. In fact, we’ve seen potential increases in some modalities associated with GP materials including multifocals and, of course, scleral contact lenses. Scleral lenses have once again hit their stride; if you are a regular reader of Contact Lens Spectrum, then you know that we devote significant coverage to these designs given the high level of enthusiasm for them among those in the clinical trenches.

There is no doubt that GP lenses have unique health benefits in addition to providing optimal visual performance. However, some still say that while this is true, GP lenses are primarily associated with specialty needs—irregular corneas, post-surgical fits, and corneal disease (e.g., keratoconus).

This edition of Contact Lens Spectrum is our Annual GP Issue. It is jam packed with valuable information on GP lenses including our GP Annual Report, written by our Clinical Features Editor Dr. Ed Bennett. While some will continue to take shots at GP lenses for various reasons, we here at Contact Lens Spectrum think that the modality is here to stay—for a very long time! Happy reading.